Selective detection of human papilloma virus DNAs by specific synthetic DNA probes.

ABSTRACT

Specific oligodeoxynucleotide probes ranging from 20 to 35 nucleotides were defined to differentiate each of the HPV1a, 5, 6b, 8, 11, 16, 18 and 33. They were chosen using computer programs developed to compare simultaneously several 8000 bp long DNA sequences. Sequences common to all and to specific groups of the HPV DNA were also selected. Specificity of 32P-labelled probes for HPV6b, 11, 16, 18 and 33 was demonstrated and the sensitivity of the assays was evaluated by filter hybridization with viral clones and with DNA from cervical tumor biopsies.